Žabljak

AfarJul 29

These 6 National Parks in Europe Have Glacial Lakes, Nearby Chalets, and Way Fewer Tourists

Climbing a 396-step metal staircase bolted to the side of an extinct volcanic crater in Iceland, I thought about how underrated many of Europe’s national parks are. There were no crowds nor viewpoints ...

21 things in this story

Durmitor National ParkSightLimestone peaks and remote mountain landscapes.
Bobotov Kuk summit trailTrail6.3-mile climb to country's highest peak.
Black Lake trailTrail2.9-mile loop around an iconic glacial lake.
Tara River CanyonSightEurope's deepest gorge, offers white-water rafting.
Casa di Pino EcoLodge HotelHotelBoutique, nature-connected base for luxury experience.
Elsewhere
Triglav National ParkSightBled, SloveniaHome to Slovenia's highest summit and deep forests.
Snæfellsjökull National ParkSightSnæfellsnes Peninsula, IcelandSnaefellsjokull national park was established in 2001, and it covers about 170 km2 of the westmost tip of the…
Arnarstapi to Hellnar coastal trailTrailSnæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland2-mile hike passing villages, cliffs, and views.
Fosshotel HellnarHotelHellnar, IcelandSet above cliffs with beer-garden and restaurants.
Seven Lakes ValleyTrailBled, SloveniaMulti-day route through valleys and meadows.
Chalet SofijaHotelBled, SloveniaMountainous getaway with Alps views, infinity pool.
Retezat National ParkSightRetezat Mountains, RomaniaRomania's first national park with glacial lakes.
Bucura Glacier Lake CircuitTrailRetezat Mountains, RomaniaRoute showcasing peaks and Alpine terrain.
Transylvania Log CabinsHotelRetezat Mountains, RomaniaEco-minded lodges with tree-house accommodations.
Białowieża National ParkNature reserveBiałowieża, PolandProtects Europe's largest free-roaming bison population.
Żebra Żubra (Bison's Ribs) TrailTrailBiałowieża, Poland3.4-mile loop through marshes and old-growth forest.
Royal Oaks TrailTrailBiałowieża, PolandShort walk among centuries-old oak trees.
Hotel Żubrówka Spa & WellnessHotelBiałowieża, PolandHas indoor pool and spa, near park entrance.
Skuleskogen National ParkSightHigh Coast, SwedenIt covers 30.62 km2 (11.82 mi2), constituting the eastern part of the Forest of Skule.
SlåttdalsskrevanSightHigh Coast, SwedenDramatic 200-meter-long rock fissure.
FriluftsBynHotelHigh Coast, SwedenVillage with cabins, eateries, and activities.

Read the full piece at Afar →

18 things to know for visiting Montenegro

These 6 National Parks in Europe Have Glacial Lakes, Nearby Chalets, and Way Fewer Tourists